Way overdue for an update, I know, but here's a small one to hold you over. I warn you, it'll be at the very LEAST two weeks before another but it could be longer. I hope not, but things happen. Sorry for the extensive wait guys, but I hope this was worth it!

That evening, Steven checked his casserole once more and danced away. He was in a spectacular mood. He was almost completely sure that Bianca would happily come to dinner with him. The great thing about it was that the girls were invited too. He planned to go and pick up Aiden, so that Gabrielle and Miranda wouldn't be bored with their grown up talk. With a smile, he danced down the hall to get dressed. A part of him didn't want to leave the house if he were being honest. With a cluck of his tongue, he picked up his phone and decided to call his mother; she could drop Aiden off.

Marissa had to admit she was a bit tired of waiting to talk to Bianca. It was almost time for her to go. Checking her watch, she knew she would have to call a cab in about an hour and Bianca hadn't even attempted to start their conversation. Even still, sitting back and watching Bianca interact with her girls made the wait worth it. It was a sight she knew she wouldn't see for a while, probably until the holidays, so seeing it now was a welcome sight. She sighed, leaning back into the loveseat and letting a small smile come to her face. She wasn't angry; just a bit worried that things wouldn't be resolved before she left.

"Alright girls, why don't you go upstairs and get changed. We're going to the airport with Marissa in a bit." Bianca said. Marissa didn't initially react but finally sat up.

"Really?" she asked excitedly. Bianca looked over at her, a small smile on her face.

"Of course, we can't just let you ride there all alone." Bianca said. Marissa couldn't help but do an internal happy dance when the girl scampered off. Bianca stood, groaning a little and rubbing her knees before moving to sit beside Marissa. She didn't speak, but instead she reached over almost hesitantly and grabbed Marissa's hand. Marissa felt like her heart was going to dance out of her chest.

"I-" Bianca started and Marissa held her breath.

Bianca honestly thought that she was going to die from the way her heart was pounding. She didn't want to hurt Marissa; that was a simple fact. But she didn't want to be hurt either and she had to look out for herself. Someone has too. She thought almost bitterly. Finally, she blew out a small breath and looked over at Marissa. The way Marissa's eyes were bright and hopeful, it made Bianca's breath catch and her heart skip a beat.

"I'm afraid." She said finally. Marissa nodded, turning her body but not letting go of Bianca's hand.

"I know; I am too. But that's how I know that this is so worth it." Marissa said almost hurriedly. "Bianca, I feel so many things when I look at you, hell even when I think about you. I don't... I don't want to lose those feelings." She said earnestly. Bianca opened her mouth to retort. "It's okay that you're afraid, because I am too but…but wouldn't it be so much better to be afraid together?" she asked. Bianca swallowed, looking away for a moment.

Being with Marissa would make me happy; incredibly happy. But I live here in Georgia now, it would be too difficult. Can I handle that again? Reese and I tried to make it work but then again, we were more than just a few states away.

"Long distance is going to make this harder than necessary a-" Bianca was cut off when a pair of soft lips landed on her own.

Marissa's mind shut down and she went into autopilot. She could feel Bianca giving up on them and she wanted a chance, just one chance, to feel her lips. She would feel guilty about it later but right now, Bianca was hesitantly returning the kiss and Marissa thought she was on cloud nine. She brought her free hand up and caressed her jaw gently before she pulled back slightly to rest their foreheads together.

"I-I'm-" she paused. She wasn't sorry she kissed Bianca, not really. Sure, she was sorry because it seemed like she forced it onto her but Bianca didn't honestly seem to mind. In fact, she was biting her own lip looking at Marissa almost confusedly. "I know it'll be hard but I'm willing to put in the effort if you are." She said softly. Bianca's eyes found hers, surprise clearly written in them. "I'm not my cousin or Reese, Bianca. Stop punishing me because they hurt me." She said, her voice cracking a little.

Bianca was ready to retort but her heart broke a little. Instead, she reached around Marissa and hugged her tightly,

"I didn't mean too." She said honestly. She knew it wasn't fair to make someone else suffer because of another's mistake but she was terrified. She'd been through this more times than was normal in her book and was hesitant to take another risk. "I'm sorry." She said into Marissa's shoulder. Marissa sighed, her tone lighter than it was a moment ago.

"I know you didn't mean too. I get it, you've been hurt a lot but Bianca, so have I. I'm not going to let my past dictate my future happiness and I know that happiness is with you. I'm just asking for a chance. One chance to prove that your doubts are unfounded." Bianca was silent so long Marissa actually thought she'd fallen asleep.

"Okay." Bianca finally said her voice soft and timid. Marissa felt relief flood her; it would be difficult but it would work. She would make damn sure.

Steven danced down the street, pulling another breath mint from his pocket and popping it into his mouth. His mother was still at his house watching Aiden while he went to pick up the girls. He smiled and looked at the large bouquet of flowers in his hand; she would love them he was sure of it. When he reached her street and her house came into view, he paused watching her run down the few stairs and to the cab. She leaned in, saying something to the driver before dashing back to the house. She stopped at the front door and seemed to rearrange her hair quickly before going in. He waited, wanting to see what was going on. He saw her little friend exit soon after, holding Gabby over her head while the little girl giggled. Bianca and Miranda exited behind them, both with bags in hand. He could see from the distance the small, sincere smile on Bianca's face. With his own smile, he leaned against the mail box and waited; it wouldn't take long for them to say goodbye to Marissa. His heart dropped when the girls climbed into the cab followed by Marissa. Then Bianca got into the front passenger seat after the driver helped her load the bags into the trunk. He watched in disbelief and some anger as the car drove away; all four ladies inside. With a disgusted grunt, he tossed the flowers down and kicked them, turning back toward his own house. He looked over his shoulder once more and sneered; he'd just have to wait for her to get back and have a little talk with her.